Prevalence and Type of Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients Receiving Antidepressant Medications

Aim: To assess the prevalence and typology of sexual dysfunction in female patients receiving antidepressant medications using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Method: A cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 71 married women with various psychiatric disorders receiving antidepressants for at least 3 months’ were evaluated on ASEX, Brief Adherence Rating Scale, Medication Adherence Questionnaire, and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Subjects with a history of sexual dysfunction prior to psychotropic intake, menopause, severe interpersonal relationship problems with spouse, or chronic medical illness were excluded. Results: The study sample had the mean age of 37.35 (SD: 6.82) years. More than four-fifth (80.2%) of patients had sexual dysfunction as per the ASEX. Using a cutoff score of 4 or more to define sexual dysfunction in various domains, decreased desire was seen in 81.7%, reduced arousal was seen in 80.3%, poor vaginal lubrication was seen in 76.1%, reduced satisfaction was seen in 57.7%, and reduced ability to reach orgasm was seen in 50.7%. Despite this, few patients (13.3%) discussed their sexual dysfunction with their treating psychiatrist. Sexual dysfunction did not influence the medication adherence. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is quite prevalent in female patients receiving antidepressant medications; however, this is not adequately discussed by the patient or the treating psychiatrist.